So, Friday Keyes was in Charleston, Illinois complaining about Obama not debating him as much as Keyes wants:
Using the site of the one of the most famous political debates in history, U.S. Senate candidate Alan Keyes attacked his opponent Friday for the number of face-to-face meetings planned for their campaign.
From the
Journal Gazette & Times-Courier
Meanwhile Obama was talking to the
Chicago Tribune about real issues. Keyes declined to attend.
Invitations were extended to both Obama and Keyes several weeks ago to appear before the Tribune editorial board in a debate-style setting. Obama accepted and Keyes did not, even though the Republican has accused his rival of ducking debates and has declared a desire to take on Obama in any venue.
"How can I be any clearer about this?" Keyes said in an Aug. 10 news conference. "I don't care what the format is. I don't care what the topics are. ... I am ready to go to any forum put together in any way that is in the best interests of the people of Illinois."
A Keyes aide said the Republican would not appear because the session was not a public forum that could be covered by media other than the Tribune. Obama and Keyes have agreed to three public debates in October, though Keyes had sought more.
